Sharon Friedman – Vigilance and Tranquility

Here is a neat drill from Russian ballet for you: Stand with legs together at 45 to the sides and knees together too. Now slide the foot (choose one) forward on the floor till only the toe touches the floor and the toe, ankle, knee and hip are aligned and come back. Now slide the leg sideways using the same skate feeling and letting it align by the movement (turning on itself facilitate the move) now slide the foot backwards and here the rotation of the leg from the hip joint is most noticble. Remember to align the leg with the torso and if you have to arch the back than do so in the upper back and not in the lower so the leg and the torso remain strong and aligned. To finish bring the toe (alone touching) up on the inside of the opposing leg as much as you can while maintaining form and slide back. Try to do 5-10 of each for each leg and don’t be surprised if your legs are tired afterwards After you do this drill notice throughout the day the placement of mass in your feet. Is it NOW only on one leg, In the foot are you NOW on the heel or the toes, do you sway from side to side ? notice how you are now.